The State Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that Officer Lee Coel, the policeman who accidentally shot Mary Knowlton during the Punta Gorda Citizen Police Academy, turned himself in on charges of manslaughter.

Additionally, Police Chief Tom Lewis was served a summons on misdemeanor culpable negligence for failing to provide a safe environment for 73-year-old Knowlton.

Coel’s charge is classified as a first-degree felony, and he faces a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Knowlton was randomly chosen to participate in a “shoot or don’t shoot” scenario in August 2016. The exercise simulates using lethal force in a live role play. However, Coel’s gun was loaded, and Knowlton was shot during the exercise. She was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In November, Knowlton’s family and the city of Punta Gorda reached a settlement of more than $2 million.

Coel is in the Charlotte County Jail, while Lewis was not arrested.

We spoke with the city manager about Chief Lewis' job status. He scheduled a news conference for Thursday morning to address the charges.

As for Coel, he bonded out of jail for $5,000.

It isn't the first time he's been tied up in controversy. In 2013, he resigned from Miramar Police Department after allegations of excessive force.

Last year, a man sued to the city and the police department after he was attacked by Coel's K-9 during a traffic stop.

Neighbors, friends reflect on Knowlton's life

Knowlton's death rocked the community where she spent much of her time volunteering.

Neighbors say there's a void left on their street after her death.

They described her as a perfect person who always tried to make others feel welcome. They said she was described as an organizer – the person on the block who invited everyone to the barbecue and rushed out to welcome new neighbors.

Her death had been felt by everyone on the street where she lived but none more than her husband, Gary, who they say has been left broken.

"And to think that he was sitting there, when it happened, he was in the audience," said neighbor Jo Jacqulyn Lazzell. "He and she went down there to do their civic responsibility which is finding out what the police feel like when they're having to attack people."

The community that Knowlton knew so well has reacted in different ways but all want to know just how those bullets got in the gun.

"Absolutely astounded that something like this could have happened," said Eugenie Burns of Punta Gorda. "There should have been many checks and balances before the actual training exercise to make sure the weapon was not used."